From a Small Korean Town to CEO of Noom: The American Dream in Action

As an immigrant and entrepreneur, I've learned that mission-driven thinking, discipline, and continuous learning are key to overcoming obstacles and achieving success in the United States.

1. Saeju Jeong, co-founder and CEO of Noom, discusses his experiences and insights on entrepreneurship, discipline, and life.
2. Jeong believes the United States is a strong country due to its land of opportunity.
3. He grew up in a small fishing town in South Korea and studied electro engineering, but it wasn't his passion.
4. After losing his father, Jeong reevaluated his life and decided to pursue his passions.
5. He moved to the United States in 2005 with no background or connections, eventually starting Noom.
6. Jeong emphasizes the importance of being mission-driven as an entrepreneur, especially during difficult times.
7. Building a successful company takes time and requires perseverance, even when it's challenging and lonely.
8. Finding product-market fit is a long process, often taking years to achieve.
9. Jeong recommends maintaining a positive mindset and surrounding oneself with successful people.
10. Networking helps individuals learn from others, solve problems, and create a healthy ecosystem.
11. Successful people share several common traits, including discipline and long-term thinking.
12. Jeong practices daily meditation, exercise, and maintains healthy relationships to be the best version of himself.
13. He encourages teenagers to focus on their core values and talents instead of trying to prove themselves through social media.
14. For those in their twenties, Jeong recommends staying curious and learning from mentors while building a career.
15. In one's thirties, it is essential to continue learning and disrupting oneself to grow professionally and personally.
16. Being an immigrant offers unique advantages, such as observing problems that natives might miss.
17. Jeong stresses the importance of believing in one's mission during challenging times.
18. He views his journey with Noom as fruitful and impactful, despite the difficulties faced along the way.
19. Jeong encourages embracing one's role as an immigrant to foster open-mindedness and identify areas for improvement.
20. A strong mission and vision help attract people to your ideas and build a supportive community.
21. Entrepreneurship is about overcoming hardships by fully committing to one's mission.
22. Jeong's experiences highlight the value of discipline, networking, and perseverance in both personal and professional life.
23. Understanding one's purpose and core values early on can lead to a more fulfilling life and career.
24. Being open-minded and adaptable, especially as an immigrant, can provide unique opportunities for growth and impact.

Source: EO via YouTube

❓ What do you think? What drives you to take risks and pursue your passions, even when faced with uncertainty and potential failure? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments!